10 Best Kitty Litters 2025 in the United States

Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter stands out as a top choice for cat owners seeking a premium litter option. Made from 100% bentonite clay, this unscented litter excels in several key areas. One of its main strengths is its hard clumping ability, which makes cleanup a breeze by forming solid clumps that are easy to scoop. Its superior odor control is another highlight, ensuring that your home stays fresh even with multiple cats.

The low dust formulation is particularly beneficial for cats and owners with allergies, reducing airborne particles to a minimum. Additionally, the medium grain size helps to minimize tracking, keeping litter contained within the box rather than scattered around your home. However, at 40 pounds, the bag can be quite heavy to handle, which may be a drawback for some users.

While the litter is highly absorbent, it should be noted that it’s made from clay, which isn't biodegradable and may not be the best option for environmentally conscious consumers. Despite these minor drawbacks, Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter is a reliable and effective choice for keeping your cat's litter box clean and your home smelling fresh.

The Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter with Febreze Gain Scent is a noteworthy choice for those prioritizing odor control. The litter effectively masks unpleasant smells with its Gain fragrance and Febreze and activated charcoal components, promising up to 10 days of odor control. Additionally, it boasts a 99.9% dust-free formula, which is beneficial for maintaining cleaner surfaces and air quality in your home. The clumping nature of this litter aids in easy cleanup, as it allows for straightforward removal of waste clumps, maintaining a fresh litter box with minimal effort.

However, the product is not without drawbacks. The scented nature, while pleasant for some, may be overpowering for individuals or cats sensitive to strong smells. Moreover, although the claim of low dust levels is attractive, some users may find variations in performance, particularly when the litter is disturbed. The 14 lb size might also be a limitation for households with multiple cats or those seeking a longer-lasting supply.

This litter is best suited for indoor cat owners who are particularly concerned with maintaining a fresh-smelling home and are willing to trade off scent strength for effective odor control. It is a practical option for single-cat households where the litter is unlikely to be depleted rapidly, thus maximizing the benefits of its clumping and odor-blocking properties.

The Fresh Step Simply Unscented Clumping Litter is a good choice for pet owners who prioritize effective odor control without added fragrances or dyes. Utilizing activated charcoal technology, this litter efficiently tackles odors on contact, making it suitable for those sensitive to strong scents. Its veterinarian recommendation underscores its focus on pet health, which can be reassuring for cat owners.

One of the key strengths of this litter is its clumping capability. It forms tight clumps, making the scooping process straightforward and reducing the chances of litter crumbles being left behind. This feature, coupled with rapid liquid absorption, helps maintain a cleaner environment in the litter box and contributes to the comfort of your feline friend.

The low dust formula of this Fresh Step litter is beneficial in minimizing mess around the litter box area, thereby keeping both your floors and air cleaner. This aspect is particularly significant for households where dust might aggravate allergies or cause respiratory issues in either the pets or their human companions.

However, the litter's tracking could be a potential drawback, as some users might find that their cats carry litter granules outside the box. The product is also made from clay, which some environmentally conscious buyers may find less appealing compared to more sustainable materials.

In terms of packaging, a 14-pound box is manageable for handling and storage, though it might not be adequate for multi-cat homes, requiring more frequent purchases. The Fresh Step Simply Unscented Clumping Litter is primarily beneficial for indoor cats, offering a practical solution for those looking for an unscented, easy-to-maintain litter option.